South Bank

The Political Book Awards

Forget the Oscars, last night the eyes were on a different
prize: Political Book of the Year. The competition was as fierce as
Ann Widdecombe in one of her Strictly outfits, but Caroline Shenton
clinched the top gong for her book The Day Parliament Burned
Down and won £10,000 prize money for her efforts. Following
the awards, organised by Paddy Power and Total Politics, guests
including Lady
Antonia Fraser and Jemima
Khan tucked into chicken tagine and mini macaroons. The BFI
IMAX has never seen so much drama.